Staff Reporter :
Security forces including the Bangladesh Army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed to Chittagong University on Sunday after violent clashes between students and locals spiraled out of control, leaving hundreds injured and the campus in turmoil.
Officials said more than 500 personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies reached the campus around 3:30 p.m. and managed to restore order by 5:30 p.m. The deployment followed two consecutive days of unrest around Gate No. 2 of the university, where tensions remained high despite the calm.
“Although the situation is under control now, hundreds of students are still gathered at Gate No. 2, and the overall environment is tense,” said Mohammad Russell, Additional Superintendent of Police (DB and Industry) and spokesperson for Chattogram District Police.
He added that Section 144 has been imposed in the area stretching from Gate No. 2 to the nearby railgate and will remain in effect until midnight on September 1.
The violence left a heavy toll. According to the district civil surgeon, 77 injured were treated at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), 24 at Parkview Hospital, and 10 at Hathazari Upazila Health Complex. CMCH Deputy Director Md Elias Chowdhury said, “Thirty people were admitted last night and 77 more on Sunday. They are being treated in neurosurgery, orthopedics, and casualty wards.”
University authorities confirmed that among the injured were Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md Kamal Uddin and Proctor Professor Tanvir Mohammad Haydar. “Around 300 to 400 students, along with several teachers, have been injured in the attacks,” Kamal Uddin said, adding that the university’s medical facilities were overwhelmed. He alleged that cadres of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League were behind the assault.
Local residents have offered a different account. Abdul Quader, a local union parishad member, accused students of attacking nearby villages, looting homes, stealing cows and national identity cards, and leaving 200 to 300 villagers – mostly women and children – injured.
“The clashes may have paused, but fear is still gripping the community,” said Tuni, a local villager.
Law enforcement officials said they were still working to confirm the total number of injured and were focused on stabilizing the area.
The flare-up marks the second consecutive day of violence at the university, escalating concerns over campus safety and the fragile relationship between students and neighboring communities.
